Psalm 78:70-72 “ He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them”
God never calls us to a task that He does not equip us to succeed in. Just look at David who Samuel anointed as God’s chosen ruler although David was a mere child at the time. God told Samuel about David in 1 Samuel 16:7 that He does not look at the things men look at such as the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart! David was called by God but not without God’s anointing presence, power, and protection in his young life. Our devotional text exposes the real truth about David who was a man after God’s own heart who would fulfill all of God’s will (Acts 13:22).
(1) First God chose David from humble circumstances. David had his ups and downs in this world but David always knew he was dependent upon God for every blessing he received. We too must remember that our God chose us while we were yet sinners when Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
(2) God placed David in a position to shepherd the Nation by making him King over Israel. David suffered through many trials and tribulations that God used to develop him to do everything God wanted him to do. In the same way God allows trials and tests in our own lives that prepare and train us to fulfill God’s purposes.
(3) David used the word of God and the wisdom of God to shepherd God’s people with integrity of heart and led them with skillful hands. When God calls us to a task He expects us to seek His wisdom and use His life giving word!
David was a servant leader and led the people of God for well over 40 years during his reign. That David made grievous mistakes and misjudgments cannot be denied. But David never quit on God and clung to Him through every difficult time or trouble in his life. David developed the key ingredients of the servant leader: integrity of heart, humility of mind, and selflessness of spirit, just as you and I can do the same with God’s help.
GOD CALLS EACH ONE OF US TO BE SERVANT LEADERS IN OUR FAMILIES, CHURCHES, WORKPLACES, AND COMMUNITIES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD FOR OTHERS UNDER THE INSPIRATION AND DIRECTION OF GOD!
Article by Mike White of Summit church of Christ
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